March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. About one out of every ten women in the United States is affected by endometriosis. However, lack of education and awareness too often results in this condition being misdiagnosed or missed altogether. There is a movement on the horizon to change that. Along with EndoMarch and other organizations, this global movement is pressing to change the way that we diagnose and treat endometriosis.
What Is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterine cavity grows outside of the uterus, such as on the tubes or ovaries or pelvic wall. Women with endometriosis often experience painful periods, pain during sex, irregular bleeding, infertility, and more. This condition affects over 200 million women and girls around the world and can have a profound effect on their physical and sexual wellbeing.
Driving Change
The Endometriosis Awareness Month was originated in 1993 by the Endometriosis Association. It is now observed worldwide through various organizational activities such as education, fundraising, and marches. The purpose of these activities is to advance disease understanding, provide advocacy, improve therapy options, and fund endometriosis research.
How You Can Expand Endometriosis Awareness
Expanding endometriosis awareness can be accomplished in a variety of ways. The EndoFound website has a listing of events, volunteer opportunities, and activities from which you can choose. The signature events are the Medical Conference & International Surgeons Symposium (March 14th-16th), Patient Day (March 14th), and Blossom Ball (March 16th). The EndoMarch Global March takes place on March 28th.
Improving Care for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is the third leading cause of gynecologic hospitalization each year in the U.S. Timely intervention will often give a woman a chance to manage her symptoms without relying on surgery.
Clinical research plays a significant role in understanding the cause of endometriosis and determining whether new treatments are safe and effective. To learn more about endometriosis studies and to enroll, call Seattle Clinical Research Center at (206) 522-3330, or click here.
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